Role Model
Xiomara Salavarrieta
“It is possible to get a rewarding career while also raising a family, it definitely takes extra effort and energy but you need to decide if this is what you want in your life and go for it!”
| Business Unit: | Corporate Functions |
| Division: | Human Resources |
| Job title: | Human Resources Business Partner |
Question 1
What makes your work and working time model special and what benefits do you see?
I had the opportunity to work part-time during 2 years, the main benefit I perceived is that I was able to keep developing my career at work and having professional challenges while dedicating more time to my kids and family.
Question 2
Please describe your typical day/work week (e.g. when does your working day start/end? Where do you work? What is your personal work-life balance principle?).
It looked just as a regular day when working full-time, I just tried to organize better my time, so I would be able to attend meetings during the mornings or solve urgent topics before I leave everyday. This type of arrangement challenges yourself to be more effective and focused during the time at work. My work-life balance principle is to feel satisfied of the decision I have taken of pursuing a career while enjoying my role as a mom of two kids, I try always to live each of my roles to the fullest and to learn everyday from both of them. It is possible to get a rewarding career while also raising a family, it definitely takes extra effort and energy but you need to decide if this is what you want in your life and go for it! Open communication with your boss also is a key element, be clear about what you want to achieve and always look for excellence in your performance.
Question 3
Did the opportunity to work under flexible conditions significantly influence your decision to continue working?
Definitively! For me was a great opportunity to be able to reconcile the personal need that I had at that moment with my career at Henkel. I had always the support from my bosses during this experience. I feel greatful that I didn´t have to chose one or the other.